How do I know I'm hydrated?

Not sure if you're dehydrated? One of the easiest ways to tell is by checking the color of your urine. If it looks clear or pale yellow, then you're drinking enough water. But if your urine is a darker yellow or an amber color, then it's time to hydrate.

healthy.kaiserpermanente.org - 10 warning signs of dehydration - Kaiser Permanente

What is the most important thing a woman can give a man?

If you want to know what value a woman can bring to a man, it is this: The most valuable thing you can give a man in a relationship is emotional...

Last updated Sep 1, 2018

When do males stop producing sperm?

Although men never stop producing sperm throughout their lives, sperm production does begin decreasing after age 35. Motility, volume and genetic...

Last updated Jan 19, 2018

Promotion

What do you think is more essential: Food or water? While we tend to focus a lot of our time and energy on food — deciding what to eat for lunch or make for dinner — water is essential. In fact, we can go up to 3 weeks without food but wouldn’t last more than 3 or 4 days without water. "Hydration is necessary for survival," explains Ronald A. Navarro, MD, Kaiser Permanente’s coordinating chief of orthopedic surgery for Southern California." The cells in our bodies contain water and are surrounded by water. When we’re dehydrated, these cells are less permeable, which means they have trouble absorbing nutrients and removing waste."

The benefits of hydration

When you drink enough water, you’re helping your body function at its best. You may even experience some impressive health benefits, which can include the following.

Keeping cool

When you overheat — whether it’s because of a sunny day, an intense workout, or a fever — your body produces sweat to cool down. Sweat is mostly made of water, so your body needs to stay hydrated to help you stay nice and cool.

Getting muscles and joints to work at peak performance

Because your cells work better when fully hydrated, it can increase your body’s ability to perform. Water also helps lubricate your joints, making it easier to move.

Helping control weight

"We often mistake thirst for hunger," says Dr. Navarro. "Drinking enough water may help us avoid misplaced urges that tell us to eat when we don’t need to."

Preventing constipation

People who are well-hydrated usually have regular bowel movements. Hard bowel movements or constipation can be a sign that you aren’t getting enough water — or fiber. So how much water do you need to drink per day? The short answer: It depends. "The most common recommendation is to drink 8 ounces of water 6 or 8 times a day, every day," explains Dr. Navarro." However, some adults may need more or less, depending on their overall health. Factors like illness and medications can affect how much water you may need. You should also take into account how much you exercise, the level of intensity, and how hot and dry the weather is."

Warning signs of dehydration

Not sure if you’re dehydrated? One of the easiest ways to tell is by checking the color of your urine. If it looks clear or pale yellow, then you’re drinking enough water. But if your urine is a darker yellow or an amber color, then it’s time to hydrate.

Other warning signs of dehydration can include:

Bad breath

Decreased amount of urine

Dry mouth and swollen tongue

Sluggishness and fatigue

Sugar cravings

And if you’re feeling any of the following more severe dehydration symptoms, seek medical attention right away:

Confusion

Dizziness

Fainting

Heart palpitations

Causes of dehydration

How do we get dehydrated? The most common cause is not drinking enough water throughout the day — but things like hot weather, drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, and working out are other factors. There are also less common causes of dehydration to keep an eye out for — like stress, certain medications, aging, high altitudes, and burns (including sunburns).

Are you drinking enough water?

Find out how to keep your body in balance and hydrated. And talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

Is 1 tablespoon of turmeric too much?

Can eating too much turmeric be harmful? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized turmeric as generally safe and has not...

Last updated Mar 22, 2019

At what age do females gain the most weight?

Here's something to ponder as you consider whether to ditch that New Year's resolution to exercise more: Your 20s are your prime weight-gaining...

Last updated Oct 27, 2022

Promotion

Does yellow urine mean dehydration?

Medium-dark yellow urine is often an indication that you are dehydrated. Drink 2-3 glasses of water now.

health.nsw.gov.au - Urine colour chart - Beat the heat - NSW Health

Content 1

The urine colour chart will give you an idea on how hydrated you are. Note that the colours in this chart may appear different depending on the computer screen used or printer settings.

Text alternative

Am I drinking enough water?

Use this uring colour chart to assess how hydrated you are. It is important to drink plenty of water every day to stay healthy.

1 to 2: Hydrated

Pale, odourless and plentiful urine is often an indication that you are well hydrated.

Keep drinking at the same rate.

3 to 4: Mildly dehydrated

Slightly darker yellow urine can indicate that you need to drink more water.

Drink a glass of water now.

5 to 6: Dehydrated

Medium-dark yellow urine is often an indication that you are dehydrated.

Drink 2-3 glasses of water now.

7 to 8: Very dehydrated

Darker, strong-smelling urine in small amounts can be a sign of dehydration.

Drink a large bottle of water immediately.

What can change the colour of my urine?

Certain foods, medications and vitamin supplements may change your urine colour even if you are hydrated.

Important

The colours on this chart should only be used as a guide and should not replace the advice of a health professional. Speak to your doctor if you are worried about the colour of your urine, the amount of water you drink or dehydration.

What should I eat when tired?

Foods That Beat Fatigue Unprocessed foods. Fruits and vegetables. Non-caffeinated beverages. Lean proteins. Whole grains and complex carbs. Nuts....

Last updated Oct 15, 2020

Does ashwagandha increase appetite?

Potential side effects of ashwagandha One participant in a study on Withania somnifera dropped out after experiencing increased appetite and libido...

Last updated Apr 20, 2020

Promotion

What vegetables are good for shrinking the prostate?

Green leafy vegetables are especially important because they are rich in antioxidants. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli also reduce the risk...

Last updated Nov 13, 2021

Promotion

What happens if low testosterone goes untreated?

Living with a testosterone deficiency long-term will increase your likelihood of developing age-related diseases, including osteoporosis and heart...

Last updated Sep 3, 2019